Walnut Creek City Zoning Code

Not permitted in the R-8, R-8.5, R-10, R-12, and R-15 zoning districts. Permitted upon approval of a Minor Use Permit in the R-20 and R-40 zoning districts subject to the regulations in Sec. 10-2.3.108. Animals.

In the R-40 zoning district, private country clubs and golf courses are permitted upon approval of a Conditional Use Permit. All other uses within this category are not permitted.

Private neighborhood swim centers, owned and operated by and for the residents of the neighborhood in which such uses are located, are permitted upon approval of a Conditional Use Permit. All other uses within this classification are permitted.

Reverse vending machines used by occupants of single family homes, duplex units and multiple family housing projects for the sole collection and storage of recyclable material generated by on-site residents are permitted. Reverse vending machines and small collection facilities are permitted in Community Service Facilities (see Part III, Article 7. Recycling Facilities. for the definition of "Community Service Facilities") upon approval by the Community Development Director. Storage containers must be enclosed or placed out of view of any public right-of-way.

Permitted subject to the following: Parking, as required in Part III, Article 2. Off-site Parking and Loading Regulations, shall be provided, and the development regulations (other than parking) for a residential care facility shall be subject to the same objective standards applicable to other residential uses in the underlying zoning district.

Electrical substations, aboveground electrical transmission lines water pumping stations and switching buildings are permitted uses. All other uses within this classification are not permitted.

Accessory living quarters, as defined in Part I, Article 4. Use Classifications, are living quarters within an accessory structure, without kitchen facilities. Accessory living quarters are permitted subject to the standards in Sec. 10-2.3.103. Accessory Structures.

Accessory structures are permitted subject to the standards in Sec. 10-2.3.103. Accessory Structures.

Home Occupations are permitted subject to the approval of a Home Occupation Permit (see Sec. 10-2.3.107. Home Occupations). For all other accessory uses, see the use regulation for the primary use classification.

Permitted in private country clubs and golf courses, neighborhood swim centers, cultural institutions, park and recreation facilities, religious assembly, and schools subject to the approval of a Temporary Activity Permit (see Sec. 10-2.3.118. Temporary Activity Permits).

Personal cannabis cultivation is permitted subject to the regulations outlined by Article 14 of Part III of the Zoning Ordinance.

See Sec. 10-2.3.103. Accessory Structures.

See Sec. 10-2.3.107. Home Occupations.

See Sec. 10-2.3.108. Animals.

See Part III, Article 6. Child Day Care Facilities.

See Sec. 10-2.3.109. Bed and Breakfast Inns.

See Part III, Article 7. Recycling Facilities.

See Part III, Article 9. Inclusionary Housing.

See Part III, Article 14. Personal and Commercial Cannabis Activities.

See Part III, Article 5. Accessory Dwelling Units.

For development of uses (other than Residential Care Facilities) within the Commercial and Community Facility Use Classifications, the minimum lot area, lot width, lot frontage and setbacks are to be determined by the Planning Commission in approval of the Conditional Use Permit. The development regulations for a Residential Care Facility shall be the same as required for the Residential Use Classifications.

See Sec. 10-2.3.106. Exclusion of Rights of Way.

In the event that more than 1/2 of the front lot line is a concave curve, the minimum lot frontage shall be not less than 1/2 the required lot width, and the actual width of the lot measured at the real line of the require front yard shall be not less than 80% of the required lot width.

See Sec. 10-2.3.102. Yards, Setbacks and Open Areas.

Refer to the Zoning Map for Future Street Line Setbacks.

The side yard on the street side of a reversed corner lot shall be not less than the required front yard in the R district in which such lot is located.

The maximum permitted density shall be determined by the stricter of the following three regulations: General Plan Land Use Map; Maximum Lot Coverage as determined in H. above; Maximum density as permitted under Part III, Article 4. Hillside Performance Standards.

No mailbox shall be placed within the minimum required depth of the front yard in the sidewalk area between the curb and property line in any R or D-3 district unless the regulations of the U.S. Postal Service specifically mandate such placement. The Chief of Code Enforcement may grant an exception to the above restriction wherein special circumstances applicable to the property such as size, shape, location of buildings justify the exception.

Except for those single family dwellings and accessory structures exempted from the provisions of this section, no new building shall be constructed or moved onto any building site, nor shall any existing non-residential building be enlarged, remodeled or otherwise altered on the exterior, nor shall any landscaping previously required pursuant to any permit be altered, nor shall any parking layout or dimension be altered until the design plan and site plan have received Design Review approval pursuant to Part IV, Article 12. Of this Chapter. See Part IV, Article 12 of this Chapter for design review requirements for single family dwellings, additions to single family dwellings, and other buildings on single family lots.

Exceptions to these regulations may be permitted with Design Review approval pursuant to Part IV, Article 12, of this Chapter.

Duplexes or more than one single family dwelling are permitted, not to exceed 4 dwelling units on any one lot, regardless of size. All other uses within this classification, including buildings containing three or more units, are not permitted.

Permitted on approval of a Conditional Use Permit. In approving the Use Permit the Planning Commission shall find that: 1) the proposed facility is located on a collector or arterial street; and 2) the facility is under 2,500 square feet in size.

Private neighborhood swim centers, owned and operated by and for the residents of the neighborhood in which such uses are located, are permitted upon approval of a Conditional Use Permit. All other uses within this classification are permitted.

Reverse vending machines used by occupants of single family homes, duplex units and multiple family housing projects for the sole collection and storage of recyclable material generated by on-site residents are permitted. Reverse vending machines and small collection facilities are permitted in Community Service Facilities (see Part III, Article 7. Recycling Facilities. for the definition of "Community Service Facilities") upon approval by the Community Development Director. Storage containers must be enclosed or placed out of view of any public right-of-way.

Permitted subject to the following: Parking, as required in Part III, Article 2. Off-site Parking and Loading Regulations shall be provided, and the development regulations (other than parking) for a residential care facility shall be subject to the same objective standards applicable to other residential uses in the underlying zoning district.

Electrical substations, aboveground electrical transmission lines, water pumping stations and switching buildings are permitted uses. All other uses within this classification are not permitted.

Accessory living quarters, as defined in Park I, Article 4. Use Classifications, are living quarters within an accessory structure, without kitchen facilities. Accessory living quarters are permitted subject to the standards in Sec. 10-2.3.103. Accessory Structures.

Accessory structures are permitted subject to the standards in Sec. 10-2.3.103. Accessory Structures.

Home Occupations are permitted subject to the approval of a Home Occupation Permit (see Sec. 10-2.3.107. Home Occupations). For all other accessory uses see the use regulation for the primary use classification.

Permitted in neighborhood swim centers, cultural institutions, park and recreation facilities, religious assembly, and schools subject to the approval of a Temporary Activity Permit (see Sec. 10-2.3.118. Temporary Activity Permits).

Personal cannabis cultivation is permitted subject to the regulations outlined by Article 14 of Part III of the Zoning Ordinance.

See Sec. 10-2.3.103. Accessory Buildings

See Sec. 10-2.3.107. Home Occupations.

See Sec. 10-2.3.108. Animals.

See Part III, Article 6. Child Day Care Facilities.

See Sec. 10-2.3.109. Bed and Breakfast Inns.

See Part III, Article 7. Recycling Facilities.

See Part III, Article 9. Inclusionary Housing.

See Part III, Article 14. Personal and Commercial Cannabis Activities.

D(1), D(2), D(3)

D(2), D(3)

D(2), D(3), D(5)

D(6)

D(6)

D(7)

D(8)

D(9)

D(10)

D(11)

Any lot which is non-conforming because of area may be used for only one single family dwelling and accessory buildings and uses.

For development of uses within the Commercial and Community Facility Use Classifications, the minimum lot area, lot width, lot frontage and setbacks are to be determined by the Planning Commission in approval of the Conditional Use Permit.

See Sec. 10-2.3.106. Exclusion of Rights of Way.

See. Sec. 10-2.3.102. Yards, Setbacks and Open Areas.

Refer to the Zoning Map for Future Street Line Setbacks.

The minimum interior side yards for one-story buildings in The D-3 district shall be 5 feet on each side. Every building over one story shall provide a setback, for the second story, of 5 feet, plus 3 inches of additional setback for each foot that such building exceeds 10 feet in height. The side yard on the street side of a reversed corner lot shall be 15 feet.

The minimum distance between two buildings on one lot shall be as follows: (a) Between two main buildings: 10 feet. (b) Between a main building and an accessory building: 5 feet.

No mailbox shall be placed within the minimum required depth of the front yard in the sidewalk area between the curb and property line in any R or D-3 district unless the regulations of the U.S. Postal Service specifically mandate such placement. The Chief of Code Enforcement may grant an exception to the above restriction wherein special circumstances applicable to the property such as size, shape, location of buildings justify the exception.

Permitted in the M-3 zoning district upon approval of a conditional use permit by the Planning Commission. Not permitted in the M-2.5, M-2.0, M-1.5, M-1.0, and M-0.75 zoning districts. The maximum density for single family residential development in the M-3 zoning district shall be determined by the Planning Commission in the approval of the Use Permit.

If the ATM is to be located on the exterior wall of an existing bank or an off-site building it shall be reviewed and approved by the Community Development Director. In approving the exterior ATM, the Community Development Director shall find that the ATM has adequate security and lighting and that queuing for the ATM does not impede pedestrian or vehicular traffic flow.

Permitted subject to L(3) and an additional finding by the Planning Commission that the use is consistent with the Administrative Use Permit Compliance Checklist Conditions of Approval pursuant to Article 12 of Part III of the Zoning Ordinance.

Not permitted if located within 600 feet of a school (as defined in Article 4, Section 10-2.1.403(E)) if providing full alcoholic beverage service. Otherwise, permitted upon approval of a Conditional Use Permit pursuant to both L(3) and Article 12 of Part III of the Zoning Ordinance.

Permitted in the M-1.5, M-1.0, and M-0.75 zoning districts upon approval of a Conditional Use Permit. Not permitted in the M-2.0, M-2.5 and M-3 zoning districts.

Reverse vending machines used by occupants of single family homes, duplex units and multiple family housing projects for the sole collection and storage of recyclable material generated by on-site residents are permitted. Reverse vending machines and small collection facilities are permitted in Community Service Facilities (see Part III, Article 7, Recycling Facilities, for the definition of "Community Service Facilities") upon approval by the Community Development Director. Storage containers must be enclosed or placed out of view of any public right-of-way.

Electrical substations, aboveground electrical transmission lines, water pumping stations and switching buildings are permitted uses. All other uses within this classification are not permitted.

Accessory living quarters, as defined in Part I, Article 4, Use Classifications, are living quarters within an accessory structure, without kitchen facilities. Accessory living quarters are permitted subject to the standards in Section 10-2.3.103, Accessory Structures.

Accessory structures are permitted subject to the standards in Section 10-2.3.103, Accessory Structures.

Home occupations are permitted subject to the approval of a Home Occupation Permit (see Sec. 10-2.3.107, Home Occupations). For all other accessory uses, see the use regulation for the primary use classification.

Permitted in neighborhood swim centers, cultural institutions, park and recreation facilities, religious assembly, schools and similar locations subject to the approval of a Temporary Activity Permit (see Section 10-2.3.118, Temporary Activity Permits).

Personal cannabis cultivation is permitted subject to the regulations outlined by Article 14 of Part III of the Zoning Ordinance.

Permitted in the M-3 zoning district. Not permitted in the M-2.5, M-2.0, M-1.5, M-1.0, and M-0.75 zoning districts.

Supportive and transitional housing are subject only to those requirements and restrictions that apply to the residential use classification under which they operate (e.g., multiple-family residential, single-family residential, residential care home, etc.).

Permitted by right when meeting the requirements of Section 65651 of the California Government Code and all objective standards applicable to multiple-family residential uses.

Permitted by right in the Core Area when meeting the requirements of Section 65662 of the California Government Code.

See Section 10-2.3.103, Accessory Buildings.

See Section 10-2.3.107, Home Occupations.

See Section 10-2.3.108, Animals.

See Part III, Article 6, Child Day Care Facilities.

See Section 10-2.3.109, Bed and Breakfast Inns.

See Part III, Article 7, Recycling Facilities.

See Part III, Article 9, Inclusionary Housing.

See Part III, Article 12, Alcoholic Beverage Sales.

See Part III, Article 14, Personal and Commercial Cannabis Activities.

See Part III, Article 5, Accessory Dwelling Units.

For development of uses within the commercial and community facility use classifications, the minimum lot area, lot width, lot frontage and setbacks are to be determined by the Planning Commission in approval of the Conditional Use Permit.

For single-family residential development, the minimum lot area, lot width, lot frontage, maximum lot coverage and setbacks are to be determined by the Planning Commission in approval of the Conditional Use Permit.

In the M-0.75 district, no surface, ground-level, or aboveground parking shall be located within twenty (20) feet of a street line or within fifty (50) feet of a street line for a Core Area retail street. In the M-1, M-1.5, M-2, M-2.5, and M-3 districts, no parking shall occupy any portion of any required front yard or any required street side yard.

The minimum interior side yards for one-story buildings in the M-1, M-1.5, M-2 and M-2.5 districts shall be five (5) feet on each side. Every building over one (1) story shall provide a setback, for the second story, of five (5) feet, plus three (3) inches of additional setback for each foot that such building exceeds ten (10) feet in height.

The minimum interior side yard for one-story buildings in the M-3 district shall be ten (10) feet on each side. Every building over one (1) story shall provide a setback, for the second story, of ten (10) feet, plus three (3) inches of additional setback for each foot that such building exceeds ten (10) feet in height. For new single-family development, see L(2). Additions to single-family homes existing as of 2/16/96 (effective date of ordinance) shall conform to the M-3 standards.

The minimum depth of the rear yard for buildings in the M-1 and M-1.5 districts shall be three (3) inches per foot of building height, but not less than five (5) feet.

The minimum depth of the rear yard for buildings in the M-2 and M-2.5 districts shall be six (6) inches per foot of building height, but not less than ten (10) feet.

The minimum depth of the rear yard in the M-3 district shall be twenty (20) feet when adjacent to any single-family development. The minimum depth of the rear yard in the M-3 district, not adjacent to single-family development, shall be ten (10) feet. The minimum depth of the rear yard for new single-family development shall be as determined in L(2). Additions to single-family homes existing as of 2/16/96 (effective date of ordinance) shall conform to the M-3 standards.

The maximum building height for multifamily development shall be thirty (30) feet unless otherwise specified in the Zoning Map. The maximum height for single-family development shall be twenty-five (25) feet.

For commercial and mixed-use development, the density and parking requirements are to be determined by the Planning Commission in the approval of a Conditional Use Permit.

The minimum distance between any two (2) buildings on the same lot in the multiple family districts shall be not less than the sum of the side yards required for each building; except that such distance may be reduced or waived by the Design Review Authority pursuant to Part IV, Article 12, Design Review, and if the Review Authority makes the finding that such distances are not necessary for the maintenance of light, air and privacy for the individual units.

A minimum of twenty percent (20%) of the overall project site shall be landscaped. Front and corner side landscaping requirements count toward the minimum site landscape area requirement. Landscaped areas shall consist of at least fifty percent (50%) live plant material, and any remaining area shall be rock, gravel, pebbles, stones, mulch or other natural, non-living material. Where multiple parcels are developed, the minimum landscaping applies across the project as a whole. Where provided front and/or corner side setbacks are more than five (5) feet, the corresponding yards shall be landscaped as follows:

i. A minimum of forty percent (40%) of the yard shall be landscaped.

ii. For projects with ground-floor commercial uses, a minimum of twenty percent (20%) percent of the yard shall be landscaped.

See also Private Residential Outdoor Space in Section 10-2.3.126.

Each residential unit shall have at least two hundred (200) cubic feet of enclosed, weather-proofed and lockable private storage space in addition to guest, linen, pantry and clothes closets customarily provided. Such space may be provided in any location approved by the Community Development Department, but shall not be divided into two (2) or more locations.

A reduced setback of five (5) feet is permitted for unenclosed exterior stairs leading directly to the entrance of an individual dwelling unit on the ground floor of a multistory building, and for unenclosed patios not more than three (3) feet in height. Only open or transparent glass railings shall be used for said exterior stairs and patios, except that exceptions may be granted by the Design Review Authority pursuant to Part IV, Article 12, Design Review, and upon a finding that an alternative design is necessary to ensure privacy to the adjacent units, and that the design of the railing is suitable for its location within the setback.

An increased setback of fifteen (15) feet is required for the upper portions of a building located more than forty (40) vertical feet from the base elevation.

Ten (10) feet within the plan area boundaries of the West Downtown Specific Plan.

a) Except where a greater setback is required pursuant to subsection (b) below, the side and rear setbacks shall be as follows:

1) For the portions of a building located within thirty (30) vertical feet of the existing or finished grade (whichever is lower) at the adjacent lot line: ten (10) feet.

2) For the portions of a building located more than thirty (30) vertical feet in height from the existing or finished grade (whichever is lower) at the adjacent lot line: fifteen (15) feet.

b) For portions of buildings containing uses described in Section 10-2.1.403(A), Residential Use Classifications: See Section 10-2.3.127, Courts.

The maximum density is one (1) dwelling unit per seven hundred fifty (750) square feet of net lot area. This base density shall be used for purposes of calculating any density bonus pursuant to Part III, Article 10, Density Bonus Ordinance, and Government Code Section 65915. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Planning Commission or City Council may permit a density up to one (1) dwelling unit per five hundred (500) square feet of net lot area upon approval of a community benefit agreement pursuant to Part IV, Article 17, Community Benefit Agreements.

If the ATM is to be located on the exterior wall of an existing bank or an off-site building it shall be reviewed and approved by the Community Development Director. In approving the exterior ATM, the Community Development Director shall find that the ATM has adequate security and lighting and that queuing for the ATM does not impede pedestrian or vehicular traffic flow.

Permitted on the ground floor of a multi family project upon approval of a Conditional Use Permit (unless developed in conjunction with a multifamily project in which case the use shall be approved as part of the Planned Development Permit). In approving the Use Permit or the Planned Development Permit (if the use is developed in conjunction with a multi family project) the Planning Commission must find that:

a) The proposed use is located on Bothelo Avenue; and

b) The use, in terms of activities, location, size, appearance and signage, will not alter nor detract from the residential character of the neighborhood.

Permitted subject to L(3) and an additional finding by the Planning Commission that the use is consistent with the Administrative Use Permit Compliance Checklist Conditions of Approval pursuant to Article 12 of Part III of the Zoning Ordinance.

Not permitted if located within 600 feet of a school (as defined in Article 4, Sec. 10-2.1.403.E) if providing full alcoholic beverage service. Otherwise, permitted upon approval of a Conditional Use Permit pursuant to both L(3) and to Article 12 of Part III of the Zoning Ordinance.

Reverse vending machines used by occupants of single family homes, duplex units and multiple family housing projects for the sole collection and storage of recyclable material generated by on-site residents are permitted. Reverse vending machines and small collection facilities are permitted in Community Service Facilities (see Part III, Article 7. Recycling Facilities. for the definition of "Community Service Facilities") upon approval by the Community Development Director. Storage containers must be enclosed or placed out of view of any public right-of-way.

Electrical substations, aboveground electrical transmission lines, water pumping stations and switching buildings are permitted uses. All other uses within this classification are not permitted.

Accessory structures are permitted subject to the standards in Sec. 10-2.3.103. Accessory Structures.

Home Occupations are permitted subject to the approval of a Home Occupation Permit (see Sec. 10-2.3.107. Home Occupations). For all other accessory uses, see the use regulation for the primary use classification.

Permitted in Park and Recreation Facilities subject to the approval of a Temporary Activity Permit (see Sec. 10-2.3.113. Temporary Activity Permits).

Personal cannabis cultivation is permitted subject to the regulations outlined by Article 14 of Part III of the Zoning Ordinance.

Supportive and transitional housing are subject only to those requirements and restrictions that apply to the residential use classification under which they operate (e.g., multiple-family residential, single-family residential, residential care home, etc.).

Permitted by right when meeting the requirements of Section 65651 of the California Government Code and all objective standards applicable to multiple-family residential uses.

Permitted by right on Bothelo Avenue when meeting the requirements of Section 65662 of the California Government Code.

No use shall be permitted in the High Density Residential Planned Development District except in accord with a valid Planned Development Permit.

See Sec. 10-2.3.103. Accessory Buildings.

See Sec. 10-2.3.107. Home Occupations.

See Sec. 10-2.3.108. Animals.

See Part III, Article 6. Child Day Care Facilities.

See Sec. 10-2.3.121. Regulations for Outdoor Sales, Service and Display.

See Part III, Article 7. Recycling Facilities.

See Part III, Article 9. Inclusionary Housing.

See Part III, Article 12. Alcoholic Beverage Sales.

See Part III, Article 14. Personal and Commercial Cannabis Activities.

See Part III, Article 5. Accessory Dwelling Units.

D(1)

D(1)

D(1)

D(1)

D(2)

D(3)

D(1)

D(4)

D(5)

D(6)

D(7)

D(8)

Refer to Specific Plan #9 for Design Guidelines and graphic illustrations of design concepts.

The maximum building height is 70 feet, not to exceed 35 feet in designated view corridors surrounding the entrance to the park. The Planning Commission reserves the authority to review and approve the transition between height zones.